March 07, 2014

Thousands of illegal cigarettes destroyed

More than 150,000 illegal cigarettes have been destroyed by Knowsley Council's Trading Standards team.

Large quantities of other tobacco products have also been sent for incineration.

The goods were seized in a series of Trading Standards operations from December 2012.

The illicit goods have now been incinerated at a specialist plant in Ellesmere Port.

Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer Services, Cllr Andy Moorhead, said: "Our officers have seized huge quantities of illicit tobacco in a series of organised operations and I'm pleased that we have taken these products off the streets.

"Buying illegal tobacco is far from a victimless crime. As well as hurting legitimate businesses, research shows that it helps to fund organised crime.

"Whenever we receive intelligence about illegal goods, we will always work closely with our partners to investigate and take the appropriate action."

Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Knowsley Trading Standards on 0151 443 4737.